Lights in the Night

In viewing our decorated Christmas tree, there are so many blessings to be found.  It is the inspiration behind this sonnet-styled poem.  The photographs found at the end of this post come from our tree, which is loaded with so many memories.

Photo by Tobias Bju00f8rkli on Pexels.com

Angel overlooks wondrous scene below

Twinkling, flickering shadows spanning night

Christmas magic knocking at life’s doorstep

Brightest lights illuminate with delight

 

Past memories radiate all around

Precious ornaments and shapes of all kinds

Warmest smiles, children and grandchildren

Cherished, family love reveals and shines

 

Teddy bears proclaiming a mother’s love

Filling with peace, singing with hope and joy

Lights in the night, reverent birth of Christ

Angels celebrate, God’s grace now deploys

 

Sharing love of a Savior, lights the way

Father’s everlasting gift comes this day

 

Monday Memories: European Christmas Traditions

This poem, originally written and published in December, 2018, has been updated in its style. The basic theme remains the same from the original post.

Americans celebrate many Christmas traditions from far away

Several come from Europe, continuing to bless lives to this day

 

Christmas in Europe recognized on one of two dates

Gregorian or Julian calendar establishes its final fate

 

Much of the European continent observes St. Nicholas Day

Exchanging gifts of sweets will make it the merriest of days

 

In German homes, Advent calendars displayed every year

Eating sweet fruit bread, exchanging gifts with those near

 

Spain holds special Midnight Mass throughout its vast land

Walking the streets on Christmas Eve, with torches in hand

 

French homes decorated with Christ’s Nativity, sharing its light

Burning in fireplaces, cherry wood Yule logs illuminate so bright

 

Old Man Christmas—Romania’s Father Christmas—Santa’s tagline

Singing beloved Christmas carols, blessed children’s voices shine

 

November and December fill Danish life with parties and more

Receiving presents, every Advent Sunday offers much in store

 

St. Nicholas drops in on expectant children in Ukrainian towns

Singing on the streets, Christmas carols remove sad frowns

 

Naples creates most magnificent Nativity scenes of all-time

Savoring Italian Christmas cake and hot chocolate, so fine

 

Many British homes adorn and trim two Christmas trees

Decorating with plenty of holly, ivy, and mistletoe to see

 

America’s European ancestors brought much to this land

Celebrating Christmas with traditions, enduring and grand

 

All photographs courtesy of Pinterest.

Monday Memories: Twelve Forgettable Christmas Gifts

Here is a humorous poem filled with amazing, and quite forgettable Christmas gift ideas.  I am not sure if I see one for me, but perhaps you will find something unique for yourself.  The poem was published in December, 2018, and it has been updated.

man in santa claus costume

Photo by bruce mars on Pexels.com

Imagining a zany list of gift ideas for another year

Let’s make Christmas cool again, as it comes near

 

Sitting here tonight in Ohio’s Buckeye land

Not too certain about Santa’s helping hand

 

Hoping that special gifts will await under the tree

Thinking that “some” might be pleasing for thee

 

A self-stirring coffee mug looks quite neat

Stirring my cup o’ Joe will be an easy feat

 

Christmas tea bags offer a fresh twist

Leaving my cup filled with a tasty mist

 

Is that Darth Vader defending the door?

Inflating him brings fear and much more

 

I’m not really into checking Twitter most of the time

Looking at a set of framed tweets, could be just fine

 

My stocking might be filled with a hockey stick snow brush

Cheering for my beloved Blue Jackets on the ice is a must

 

Someone spies a cassette tape collection of familiar songs

Wondering where to find a cassette player that is long gone

 

Golf ball finder glasses will most likely do the trick

Searching for each wayward shot in rough so thick

 

My daughter tempts me with chocolate Brussel sprouts

Wishing for “just” the sweet chocolate, leaves no doubt

 

A senior moment’s memory workout DVD should be slick

Keeping my brain’s recall functioning, makes a great gift

 

Coffee drinking in the morning, wine sipping late at night

Using a “Flip Over” glass, makes switching work just right

 

Last of all, needing to conceal every doughnut so sweet

Receiving a doughnut mug may hide it—isn’t this neat!

 

Warming myself in front of a blazing fire this cold night

Hoping that another lump of coal, will never be in sight

 

Twelve Forgettable Christmas Gifts

brown gift box beside thread

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Imagining a zany list of gift ideas for another year

Let’s make Christmas cool again, as it comes near

 

Sitting here tonight in Ohio’s Buckeye land

Not too certain about Santa’s helping hand

 

Hoping that special gifts will await under the tree

Thinking that “some” might be pleasing for thee

 

A self-stirring coffee mug looks quite neat

Stirring my cup o’ Joe will be an easy feat

 

Christmas tea bags offer a fresh twist

Leaving my cup filled with a tasty mist

 

Is that Darth Vader defending the door?

Inflating him brings fear and much more

 

I’m not really into checking Twitter most of the time

Looking at a set of framed tweets, could be just fine

 

My stocking might be filled with a hockey stick snow brush

Cheering for my beloved Blue Jackets on the ice is a must

 

Someone spies a cassette tape collection of familiar songs

Wondering where to find a cassette player that is long gone

 

Golf ball finder glasses will most likely do the trick

Searching for each wayward shot in rough so thick

 

My daughter tempts me with chocolate Brussel sprouts

Wishing for “just” the sweet chocolate, leaves no doubt

 

A senior moment’s memory workout DVD should be slick

Keeping my brain’s recall functioning, makes a great gift

 

Coffee drinking in the morning, wine sipping late at night

Using a “Flip Over” glass, makes switching work just right

 

Last of all, needing to conceal every doughnut so sweet

Receiving a doughnut mug may hide it—isn’t this neat!

 

Warming myself in front of a blazing fire this cold night

Hoping that another lump of coal, will never be in sight